Sewing needle

What is a sewing needle?

A sewing needle is a small but very essential sewing tool. It is made with a sharp tip on one end and an eye at the other, and it is furnished with silk thread as you stitch the fabric. It may be small, but it is mighty in sewing!

What are the parts of a sewing needle? (Anatomy of a Sewing Needle)

    • Eye: Here’s where you put the thread through the fabric, or you can say this is the vacant hole in the upper part of the needle.
    • Shank: This is the part you hold. It’s often flat on one side, so it fits correctly into your sewing machine.
    • Shaft: Clothed by the needle, the bedrock that allows you to grip the needle comfortably. Some have one side made flat so that it matches your sewing machine.
    • Point: This is where the needle enters into the fabric. This is where the point, the foremost part of the needle, goes through the cloth when you sew.

What are the different types of sewing needles?

Sewing Needle Types

Usage

Universal Needles

Suitable for a wide range of fabrics.

Ball Point Needles

Ideal for knitting or interlocking fabrics as they slip between threads without causing damage.

Sharp Needles

Perfect for woven fabrics due to their sharp points.

Leather Needles

These have a wedge-shaped point designed to pierce through rigid materials.

Quilting Needles

These needles are characterized by the shape of the tip that lets them go easily through the quilt layers.

Can I use the same needle for different types of fabric?

Nope. Never try it because different kinds of fabric need different needles, and using the wrong type of needle can damage the fabric.

    • Lightweight Fabrics: Use finer needles, such as size 60/8 or 70/10.
    • Medium-Weight Fabrics: Universal needles sized 80/12 are suitable.
    • Heavyweight Fabrics: Sturdier needles, such as those in sizes 100/16 or 110/18, are needed.

How often should I change my sewing needle?

Changing the needle every 8 hours of sewing or whenever it becomes damaged is recommended. The new needle facilitates smooth sewing and does not harm the fabric.

How can I tell if my needle is blunt or damaged?

Look out for these signs:

Snagged or Puckered Fabric

The needle is likely dull and not piercing cleanly.

Skipping Stitches

It could indicate a bent needle.

Hearing a “Popping” Sound

Likely, the point is no longer sharp.

Why is choosing the right sewing needle necessary?

The right needle should not prevent your sewing but may improve its smoothness, hastiness, and precision. It will also save your fabric from damage and time on the nastiest phenomena a sewer can experience: skipped stitches, knots, and thread breakage.